The European Commission has proposed to provide Italy with €3 million from the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund (EGF) to help 1,146 former workers of TV manufacturer VDC Technologies SpA and its subsidiary Cervino Technologies Srl to find new jobs.

The proposal now goes to the European Parliament and the EU's Council of Ministers for approval.

EU Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion László Andor commented: "The manufacture of computer, electronic and optical products, and of electrical equipment in the EU, has been seriously disrupted due to intensified competition from countries outside the EU particularly China. Today's proposal would help to prepare over 1,000 redundant workers in this sector for new job opportunities".